For those struggling with their fair share of anxiety when it comes to dentist appointments, sometimes knowing how the process works helps relieve some of the stress. So, if you have a cleaning scheduled, here’s what to expect when going to the dentist for teeth cleaning. We’ll go over the entire process from start to finish, carefully explaining everything, and by the end, you’ll feel confident and comfortable to take on that appointment and get your whites clean and sparkly!
What Is Teeth Cleaning and Why Is It So Important?
Teeth cleaning is one of the most important procedures in the dental world. It’s essential to any pearly white, healthy smile, and it’s a mandatory procedure for everyone, regardless of their at-home oral hygiene routines. You go to regular physical exams for your entire body and wellness, so why would you treat your teeth any differently?
Professional teeth cleaning is a very routine, non-surgical, painless procedure, and it’s one of the least invasive, simplest procedures a dentist can perform. However, as simple as it is, its importance cannot be overstated.
The main purpose of going to the dentist in Charlotte, NC, for cleaning teeth is so they can take a look at your overall oral health and remove the tartar and plaque buildup from between your teeth, under your gums, and all those other hard-to-reach spots. No matter how meticulous you are with your hygiene routine at home, you can never achieve the same results. This is why professional teeth cleaning is necessary at least two times a year, as per recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA).
Besides polishing your teeth to perfection, professional cleaning also gives your dentist a chance to take a good look at your smile and see if there are any other issues that need to be addressed. Also, regular cleanings prevent any future complications and significantly lower the chances of developing more serious dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or simply bad breath.
By maintaining good oral health, you are not only saving money by preventing some costly reparative procedures, but you are also improving your overall health and well-being, as oral health is very well known to be associated with heart disease, dementia, and even stroke.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
The key to good oral hygiene is not just taking care of your teeth at home. It’s also getting them cleaned professionally and, most importantly – regularly. A vast majority of people choose to avoid regular dental cleanings and to only do the basic home routine, and then they keep wondering why they get cavities. But how often should you go to the dentist for a professional cleaning? Is once a year too little, and is once a month too much?
Well, there are lots of opinions on this topic, and it all depends on the state of your teeth and your overall oral health. As already mentioned, the American Dental Association has spoken and said that it would be ideal to get a professional cleaning every six months. It’s important to maintain regular intervals, so consult with your dentist in Charlotte, NC, and see what they recommend.
How Long Does the Procedure Last?
Teeth cleaning is a very quick procedure, and if you’re someone who wants to spend as little time in the dental chair as possible, you’ll be happy to know that these types of appointments usually last around 30 minutes. Depending on the state of your teeth, it can last a bit longer, but in most cases, it lasts between half an hour and an hour.
How Much Dentist Charge for Cleaning Teeth?
Everyone knows that dental appointments can get a bit pricey, which is one of the main reasons why people put them off for as long as they can. But how much dentist charge for teeth cleaning? For starters, it all depends on whether or not you’ve got adequate health insurance. Regular teeth cleanings are, in most cases, completely covered by insurance, but even if you don’t have proper insurance, it’s not an expensive procedure.
A healthy or regular teeth cleaning costs anywhere between $100 and $500. It also depends on how extensive your cleaning needs to be. For example, patients who need to do an X-ray will pay more, while those who are just coming in for a routine, quick cleaning will probably pay no more than $200, not including the exam.
How Does It Work? Here’s What to Expect When Going to the Dentist for Teeth Cleaning
While teeth cleaning is not a complicated or lengthy process, it does require a few stages to ensure your smile comes out perfect in the end. The appointment is performed by a dental hygienist, and it starts with a detailed physical examination of your entire mouth. With a small dental mirror, the hygienist will take a good look at your overall oral health. Also, gingival probing will be done, meaning your bone and gum levels will be measured to determine what type of cleaning is needed. If they notice any problems, this is the part where they will consult with the dentist and do any additional procedures like an X-ray.
Once that part is complete, the most important part begins – removing tartar and plaque from your teeth. The technique used to do this is called scaling, and it’s the only part of the entire experience that could be a bit uncomfortable for patients. You can’t feel any pain, but you can hear a buzzing and scraping sound. The dental hygienist will then clean your teeth with gritty toothpaste and a high-power drill. You can hear loud grinding, but the sensation is no different than regular teeth brushing. Once you’re done with this part, your teeth will be plaque-free.
Then comes professional flossing – even if you floss regularly at home, there’s always something you’ve missed, and this step takes care of it. Once you’re all brushed and flossed, you can rinse your mouth before the last step. The dentist will apply a special solution to keep your teeth healthy and protect them from cavities until the next visit. This part is not uncomfortable at all – you just have to keep the treatment on your teeth for a minute or two, and then you’re free to go home!
Visit Our Charlotte Dentist in South Park and Experience What It’s Like to Have a Confident Smile!
Good oral hygiene and beautiful white teeth require some effort and regular dentist checkups. All of that becomes easy and hassle-free when you have a reliable Charlotte, NC, dentist who makes you comfortable with the thought of sitting in the dental chair regularly. So, contact us and take the first step towards a perfect smile. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness will not only do everything to provide you with a relaxing, spa-like experience but also answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure itself.
